Addressing Escherichia coli Contamination in The Poultry Sector: Insights into Virulence, Resistance, and Nano-Emulsion-Based Interventions

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Bacteriology, Immunology and Mycology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Egypt.

2 Bacteriology Department, Animal Health Research Institute - Banha Branch, Agriculture Research Center (ARC), Egypt

3 Bacteriology, Immunology, and Mycology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt

Abstract

This study was investigated the prevalence, virulence, antibacterial resistance, and potential control strategies for Escherichia coli isolated from poultry-related samples. Bacteriological examination confirmed the presence of E. coli in 36% of the samples, with the highest prevalence in poultry litter (60%), followed by chicken fillet (55%) and edible offal (45%). Lower contamination rates were observed in farm water and abattoir swabs (10% each). Virulence testing revealed that 20 strains were invasive based on Congo red dye uptake, with 35% forming strong biofilms and all exhibiting proteolytic activity. However, none of the strains displayed hemolytic activity. Antibacterial susceptibility testing demonstrated extensive multidrug resistance among the isolates, with complete resistance to ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, and cefamandole. Imipenem was the only antibiotic showing full efficacy (100% sensitivity). Given the alarming resistance patterns, plant-based nano-emulsions were evaluated as alternative antibacterial agents. Lemongrass nano-emulsion exhibited superior antibacterial activity against E. coli, with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) at 2.5% and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) at 5%, followed by garlic and onion nano-emulsions. Lemongrass nano-emulsion also demonstrated excellent physicochemical properties and low cytotoxicity (IC50 = 183.7 µg/mL). The effective results of lemongrass nano-emulsion show that it could be a good substitute for traditional antibiotics in managing multidrug-resistant E. coli.

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Benha Veterinary Medical Journal
Volume 49, Issue 1
October 2025
Pages 19-26

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